Offensive Strategies in Bearball Part 1: Mauling Hunters

Mauling the Hunters in the sport of Bearball can be an effective strategy and may seem confusing. Therefore, I'd like to try and clarify some issues and attempt to more fully explain what it entails. Since this tactic has advantages and disadvantages, one needs to be intimate with the options and keep these in mind to determine when it should be employed. Hunters can be Mauled in more than one way, so read carefully. Familiarity with this information is also vital for coaches, players, and for passing the Ranger certification test.

First of all, the main objective of Mauling is to reduce the number of defensive players on the field and make it easier for scoring points by Ursa Minors (Um's) of the Clan that is designated as the Bears, or offensive team of an inning. Mauling can only be performed by the Ursa Major (UM), the individual putting the ball (called a Stone in Bearball) into play after the Ranger has signaled to Hunt. In this procedure the UM's can leave the Den after kicking, throwing, rolling, or dropping the ball outside the Den into play and enter the field. The UM then has four more possible functions. The first is to help teammates to score. A second ploy is to act as a decoy and avoid being Bagged. A third option for the UM is to get off the field in any direction as quickly as possible once they have accomplished their tasks and the Um's are done scoring, are Bagged, or have declared Hibernation. The UM is also permitted to stay on the field as the lone Bear in the play area after the Um's are inactive in order to Maul the defense. This should be done wisely, however, as the player could be Bagged.

The UM is not allowed to put the Stone out of the Den and then immediately pick it up. Before a UM can pick up the ball, using one or both hands, and throw it at a Hunter, a Hunter must have first touched the ball. Ursa Majors can only throw the Stone at a Hunter. They cannot Maul a Hunter by kicking, rolling, or bouncing the ball (Please note: this rule is modified for players who have physical limitations due to genetics or loss of upper limb function as the result of previous injuries.). On the other hand, the UM could be Bagged in any of these ways. The Mauled Hunters must leave the field in the most direct manner as possible and not obstruct further play.

A question asked here that is not explained clearly in the rule book is, "Can a Hunter be Mauled if the ball bounces off a UM when thrown by a Hunter and then strikes any Hunter before the ball touches the ground?" The answer is no. Remember, a Hunter can only be Mauled if the UM throws the ball.

Hunters are designated as Mauled if they attempt to catch or pick up the ball after the UM has handled the ball and they fumble it. If a Ranger considers the Stone to have been trapped, then they are not Mauled. Two Hunters can be Mauled on the same throw if the ball strikes both of them before hitting the ground. The UM can enter a Tree or Lake if it is not occupied by an Um or Drained. Additionally, while in this safety zone they can Maul Hunters and in turn not be Bagged. Please note, only two Hunters can be Mauled during each Stalk, or half inning.

I mentioned above that the UM has a second job on the field, help the Um's to score. This is done a few different ways. The UM can hold the Stone or run with it until one or both of the Um's score or signal Hibernation. The UM may retrain the Stone anywhere on the field or from inside a Tree or Lake, including the Den. The UM is then free to discard the Stone at this point and not try to do any Mauling.

Another thing the UM is allowed to do is serve as a decoy for the Hunters, trying to lure a Stone toss in their direction, giving more time for the Um's to secure points or reach a safety area. Additionally, the UM may block the Hunters by acting as a post two steps ahead of the opposition. Although the UM may also sacrifice themselves to allow the Um to score a point, this is generally not recommended unless in doing so it would provide the winning score.

If both the Um's have scored, been bagged, or signaled Hibernation, the UM may enter a Tree or Lake, if not drained or occupied by a UM and declare Hibernation. As a result, a Dead Stone occurs and play stops and the UM then returns to the Clan's Cave.

There are disadvantages for the offense to keep in mind while using this plan. First of all, a UM can also be Bagged while on the field and not in a safety zone in any manner as outlined in the Bearball rule book. When a Hunter throws the Stone at a UM in attempting to bag the Bear and the UM fumbles the ball while trying to catch it, the UM will also be considered Bagged. However, if a Ranger considers the Stone to have been trapped on the ground, then it is not a Bagged Bear. Some players are not as coordinated as others to handle Mauling. Inadvertently, the UM may force themselves to be Bagged by stepping into a Tree or Lake while trying not to get hit with the ball when these safety areas are already occupied by an Um.

Coaches, players, and Rangers need to be familiar with Mauling. Using it appropriately could mean the difference between a Feast (victory) or Famine (loss) at the end of a Hunt. Obviously, some players are not as quick and agile mentally or physically as others, consequently, Mauling may not be prudent for all to attempt and should be practiced often to become skillful with its use.

This is one article in a planned four part offensive strategies series: Mauling Hunters, A Stone's Throw Away, Exploiting Safety Zones, and Wild Bears. Watch for future articles and writings on Bearball Defense: Hunting Tactics.

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